Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control Review

We’ve bought the K5 Premium Smart Control, unboxed it, put it together and tested it extensively. We paid particular attention to these points:

• Is the device easy to assemble?
• How easily can it be moved and transported?
• How does the general quality feel?
• How easy is it to set up the device?
• How quickly and reliably can stubborn dirt be removed?
• Is it comfortable to work with?

In this review, we will show you our experiences.

In the Box

• Smart control high-pressure gun
• 3-in-1 multi-jet spray lance
• Transport wheels
• Carrying handle
• Telescopic handle
• Hose holder
• Compartment net

Before you can start, you need to assemble these parts. Since there are also screws involved, you’ll need a screwdriver; assembly for an average-skilled handyman takes about 15-20 minutes. This is not a problem; just follow the manual, and nothing can go wrong.

Specs

The Smart Function

The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control has an LCD display on the gun, and the various pressure levels can be set directly on the gun. However, this only works if you connect the device to your smartphone.

This means you need to download the Kärcher Home and Garden app, Register your device by setting up an account with Kärcher, scan the included QR code, and follow the instructions.

Your device is now “smart,” but what does that mean? For example, you can store your location to receive weather-based notifications, such as frost warnings in the colder months.

Or it calculates how much water you’ve saved compared to your garden hose, to the amount of time you’ve used your machine on each setting.

How useful this is, is another question. For us, it’s more of a gimmick.

The K5 Smart can also be used without the app, but with limited functionality. Not all pressure levels are available, and the LCD display does not work. However, for people who don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to set up the smart function, the K5 Premium Smart Control doesn’t make sense! The K5 Compact is better suited for them.

Setting up and Testing – What We Found

We have cleaned a heavily soiled warehouse driveway.

Transport

At 14 kg, the K5 Premium Smart Control is quite heavy. Lifting the device and, for example, placing it on a shelf is not easy for everyone. Otherwise, it can be pulled effortlessly as it has wheels and a telescopic handle.

Set Up

Setting up is easy and works roughly the same way as with all other Kärcher models. You can also notice with certain operations that the device’s quality is better than that of the entry-level models. In particular, connecting the pressure hose is no problem.

Here’s the routine:
Connect the water hose – Attach pressure hose to the gun – Attach lance to the gun – Connect power – Open water tap – Turn on the device – Done!

Cleaning Performance

Cleaning is very comfortable. Thanks to the pressure hose length of 10 meters, you can clean large areas without moving the device. The downside here is the pressure hose quality. Although this K5 is a premium device, the quality is unfortunately as poor as with the lower models. It is not very flexible.

With 145 bar water pressure and a flow rate of 7.5 litres, even heavily soiled areas are cleaned quickly and thoroughly. This saves time and energy.

Comfort

Thanks to the 3-1 multi-jet spray lance, you never have to change the lance. All functions are already built in. As mentioned, the current pressure level and spray type is shown in the LCD display.

While the pressure levels can be selected on the gun, you must manually set the spray type. You have three types available:

1. Flat Jet nozzle for stone terraces, washing down cars, or wooden surfaces
2. Dirt grinder for particularly stubborn dirt
3. Detergent nozzle for operation with a detergent

With the dirt grinder, even the most stubborn dirt can be washed away conveniently and quickly.

The special thing about it is: Unlike the conventional Dirtblaster lances on all other devices, the K5 Smart can set different pressure levels. This is helpful if you want to protect more delicate, heavily soiled surfaces.

These features are a clear plus and make work much easier.

Versatility

This is a major advantage of Kärcher high-pressure cleaners: Many accessories make cleaning easier. Of course, this also applies to the K5 Premium Smart Control.

You can buy the accessories or order a device with more extensive equipment right from the start.

Popular are the Home models (including Patio Cleaner and detergent). In addition, you can also buy many other helpful accessories, including:

• Telescopic jet pipe
• Facade Cleaner
• Pipe cleaning set
• Rotating wash brush for cars

Pros and Cons

Should You Buy the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control?

Overall, a good, high-quality device that allows you to clean practically everything around the house thoroughly and comfortably. The device is suitable for people who use their pressure washer regularly and have a large budget.

However, for those who do not need the smart features or have a smaller budget, the Kärcher K5 Compact might be a more appropriate option

Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control Price

The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control Single is not offered at the moment. We have therefore listed the “Home” and “Stone Plug and Clean” versions.